FAQs of Worship at Zion!We want you to know that we are a warm and friendly gathering of people who will do everything we can to make you feel at home. This page is meant to answer a number of questions that you might have as a first-time guest at Zion.

​When are worship services held?

Our Traditional Services are at 6:30pm Saturdays, and at 9:00am Sundays;The Contemporary Service is 11:30am on Sundays.There is a coffee and “donut” gathering time in the gym between the Sunday services.​Bible classes run from 10:15 to 11:15.

​Is ​the church easy to find?

Zion is on the main east-west thoroughfare; 508 Mentor Ave. or Route 20. It is located about 1 mile west of Downtown Painesville across from Lake Erie College.

​​IS THERE EASY PARKING?

Yes! Our parking lot is immediately adjacent to the church building and is ample for the number of cars parked each week. If not, overflow parking is available across the street at Lake Erie College.

​What can I expect when I come through the door?

Our main doors off the parking lot bring you into the Church/School entrance which leads to the church lobby then to the sanctuary. You will likely meet a number of friendly people who are genuinely happy to have you with us, and would be more than happy to lead you to the worship service.

​Where is the worship service held?

The Saturday 6:30 pm and the Sunday 9:00 am Traditional Worship Services are held in the Sanctuary and the Sunday 11:30 Contemporary Service is held in the Praise Hall. Having entered through the side main entrance doors, proceed left through the Church Lobby and down the hall to the Sanctuary and Praise Hall.

​What kind of dress is acceptable at Zion?

​You will find a wide range of dress at worship. Those who dress more casually appreciate that God certainly is near to us and receives us “as we are.” On the other hand, many enjoy dressing up for church, reflecting an understanding of God’s “otherness” and majesty. In all cases, a Christian modesty appropriate for God’s people is appreciated.

​Will I be singled out as a guest?

We welcome our guests near the door, and you may be warmly received walking to or from the service, but we do not ask our guests to stand or be acknowledged individually at worship. Pastor Ziemann or Pastor Riley may greet you as you prepare for service and one of them will greet at the door after service. Please introduce yourself.

​What is the worship like?

​Saturday 6:30pm and Sunday 9am Zion uses traditional liturgy in a variety of settings. We are accompanied by a beautiful organ. The Sunday 9am liturgy is often enhanced through choirs, hand bells, and both vocal and instrumental soloists.The Sunday 11:30am service uses a less formal order of service and is accompanied by the Praise Team.The focus of our worship is always Jesus Christ and His cross and resurrection, and our sermons as well as our hymns and praise songs reflect it. See more on Worship.

​Is the service easy to follow?

​Yes! All our services have printed worship folder.The Traditional Services uses a written liturgy or one of the liturgies from the hymnals; our hymns are sung from the hymnals.

The Contemporary Service uses a large monitor for the praise songs, Bible readings, and responses. We strive to make the order of service easy to follow regardless of how familiar you may be with the liturgy.

​Will I be asked to say anything?

Only as a part of the entire congregational response.

​Are children welcome?

Absolutely! We believe it is important for children to be present in the worship service. Most services, especially on non-Communion Sundays, we include a “children’s message” by the pastor. We also encourage our parents to assist older children with the responses, prayers, and hymns/songs. Should a younger child lose control, we encourage our parents to take him/her to the back of the church or to the nursery downstairs for a short time. There is a video feed of the service in the nursery.

​How is the offering gathered?

​Ushers move down the aisles with offering plates. You are free to place an offering in the plate and pass it to the nearest neighbor.

​If there is communion, should I go forward?

​While only those who are confirmed members of an LCMS congregation ordinarily commune, anyone may come forward to receive a blessing (indicated by folding arms across the chest). Those who are not communing are invited to participate during distribution through prayer and the singing of hymns/songs. Please see one of the pastors before the service if you have a question.

​What happens after the service?

​There is no formal (bench by bench) dismissal. Worshippers are free to rise and leave as they wish. You may be welcomed by one or more of members, Feel free to greet and introduce yourself. Often a pastor will greet you as you leave the sanctuary. And we invite you to return and join us for worship again as soon as you are able!